The MetroStars have acquired defender Thomas Dooley from the Columbus Crew in exchange for defender Mike Duhaney.
Dooley, who has 81 caps with the U.S. and played in the '94 and '98 World Cups, had fallen out with Crew coach Tom Fitzgerlad.
He will join the MetroStars Feb. 1 for Spring Training in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
"The chemistry and professionalism of this team is extremely important to our objective of rebuilding, " said MetroStars GM Nick Sakiewicz on his first MetroStars' trade. "Any time we can acquire a player of Dooley's experience and professionalism, we will do it."
Dooley spent the past three years with the Columbus Crew, registering five goals and four assists in 63 games. He was twice selected as an MLS All-Star.
Prior to joining MLS, he spent 10 years in the competitive German Bundesliga playing over 250 games for clubs such as Schalke 04, Bayer Leverkusen, Kaiserslautern, Homburg, and FK Pimascus.
Dooley began his career with the U.S. National Team in 1992 and immediately made his mark when he was named the 1993 U.S. Soccer Male Athlete of the Year.
He scored the first goal in a 2-0 upset win over England in 1993 and
captained the 1998 U.S. World Cup team in France.
"Thomas will provide the leadership and experience to our defense and midfield," said head coach Octavio Zambrano. "His presence will be felt immediately in our locker room, and his work ethic will be something our younger players can emulate as we continue to rebuild our team for the upcoming 2000 MLS season."
Dooley will also provide German Lothar Matthaeus with a trusted compatriot in the young MetroStars' squad that last year set an MLS record for the worst record in history.